Date: Wed, 20 Oct 1999 00:04:52 -0400 From: Interfaith Working Group Subject: IWG Dear Abby National Coming Out Day letter response October 17, 1999 Dear Abby Universal Press Syndicate PO Box 69440 Los Angeles, Calif., 90069 Dear Abby: Thank you for printing the National Coming Out Day letter about why people should "talk about it." The excellent reasons listed apply not only to sexual minorities but also to religious organizations, congregations, and clergy. When people of faith start speaking out in favor of equal civil rights for sexual minorities, and start treating gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people as equals within their religious institutions, positive change happens even faster. Sincerely, Barbara Lamond Purdom Christopher Purdom Interfaith Working Group Coordinators The above letter was sent on IWG letterhead listing 17 congregations and religious organizations and 63 clergy from 16 religious traditions. Commentaries from clergy: http://www.iwgonline.org/pulpit/ -- Interfaith Working Group http://www.iwgonline.org/ iwg@iwgonline.org voice: 215-235-3050 fax: 215-232-0829